Tales of Arise Review (darkmain)
An Epic Tale of Freedom and Unity
Tales of Arise is a captivating JRPG that combines classic series traditions with modern innovations. From an emotional storyline to dynamic gameplay, it offers an engaging journey that appeals to both veterans of the series and newcomers alike. It’s not necessary to have played previous Tales of games to understand the story or characters.
Story
In a world where the people of Dahna suffer under the tyranny of the neighboring planet Rena, an unnamed masked hero rises to fight for freedom. Alongside a mysterious woman cursed by her powers, the group stands against their oppressors, uncovering a larger threat that endangers both worlds.
Strengths
✔️ Compelling Storyline:
Tales of Arise delivers a powerful tale of oppression, rebellion, and unity. The themes of freedom and understanding are emotionally gripping and keep players invested until the end.
✔️ Impressive Visuals:
The anime-inspired art style, detailed environments, and vibrant character designs create an immersive and breathtaking experience.
✔️ Dynamic Combat System:
The action-packed and fluid combat system is both challenging and rewarding, allowing for creative use of Artes and Boost Strikes.
✔️ Memorable Characters:
Each character has a unique personality, intriguing backstory, and crucial role in the narrative, making the journey feel personal and meaningful.
✔️ Outstanding Soundtrack:
The music perfectly enhances every moment, from epic battles to emotional story beats, and stays with you long after playing.
Weaknesses
❌ Repetitive Environments:
Some areas feel less inspired and can become repetitive, especially during extended exploration.
❌ Difficulty Spikes:
The first major boss fight can be exceptionally challenging, even on the lowest difficulty setting.
❌ Grindy Endgame:
Completing optional content or preparing for tougher challenges involves repetitive tasks, which might deter casual players.
Achievements
There are 58 achievements available here. To unlock all of them, you’ll need the Tales of Arise - Beyond the Dawn expansion. The achievements span the main story, optional bosses, and various gameplay-specific challenges. These include finding all the owls, unlocking all recipes, and mastering the training grounds. While none of the achievements are missable, the endgame can require significant time and patience, particularly for the tougher challenges.
(Not) Recommended for
✔️ Recommended for
• Fans of story-driven RPGs with emotional depth.
• Players who enjoy action-packed combat with strategic elements.
• Fans of beautifully animated cutscenes and exceptional voice acting.
❌ Not Recommended for
• Players expecting a fully open-world sandbox experience.
• Those who dislike grind-heavy or highly challenging content.
Final Verdict
Tales of Arise is a shining example of what a modern JRPG can achieve. It blends the classic charm of the series with contemporary gameplay innovations and is a must-play for both fans and newcomers. Despite the difficulty spikes, the overall experience remains unforgettable. 😊
Note: My playtime does not reflect the actual duration of the game. For a realistic estimate, I recommend checking HowLongToBeat.